RTIC Soft Sided Cooler Review | Ultimate Ice Retention

91 Overall score

Updated At

Price & Variations: Starting at $89.99

Customer Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.6 out of 5 stars

Manufacturer: RTIC

Durability – 35%
9.5
Ice Retention – 30%
9.0
Portability – 20%
8.5
Leakproof Design – 10%
8.0
Ease of Use – 5%
7.5

RTIC Soft Sided Cooler Review – At A Glance

Size & Capacity

Ice Retention

Weight

Available Sizes: 12, 20, 30, 40 CanUp to 2 Days (Following RTIC Cooling Tips)12 Can: 2.4 lbs

Materials

Design Features

Price

Durable Waterproof Shell
  • Leakproof & Airtight Zipper
  • Welded Seams
  • Built to Float
Starting at $89.99

Color Options

Insulation

Portability

Black, Deep Harbor, Patriot, Camo1.5″ Closed Cell FoamLightweight & Easy to Carry

Suitable For

Customer Rating

Warranty

Beach, Road Trips, Rafting, Tubing4.6 out of 5 (3,767 Ratings)1 Year Limited

Pros

  • Durable & Waterproof Build
  • Keeps Ice for Up to 2 Days
  • Lightweight & Portable
  • Available in Multiple Sizes & Colors
  • Great for Outdoor Activities
  • Leakproof & Airtight

Cons

  • Zipper Can Be Stiff
  • Color May Vary from Description
  • Ice Retention Depends on Usage

RTIC Soft Sided Cooler Review: Superior Portability & Durability

Staying cool is essential, whether you’re planning a beach day, camping adventure, or an afternoon barbecue. The right cooler ensures your beverages stay frosty, and your snacks are fresh without the hassle. When you’re on the move, you want something portable, durable, and reliable to keep up with your lifestyle.

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler is built for adventurers who need a tough and reliable cooler that doesn’t compromise on keeping things cold. With its fully waterproof design, premium insulation, and lightweight build, it’s designed to go from road trips to water adventures seamlessly. Let’s dive into its features and explore what makes it stand out.


Product Details – RTIC Soft Sided Cooler

  • Size Options: 12, 20, 30, 40 Can
  • Material: Heavy-duty coated exterior
  • Ice Retention: Up to 2 days with RTIC’s Cooling Tips
  • Insulation: Up to 1.5” of closed cell foam
  • Weight (Empty): 2.4 lbs (12 Can Size)
  • Colors Available: Black, Deep Harbor, Patriot, Blue/Grey, Tan, Kanati Camo
  • Leakproof: Waterproof zipper and welded seams
  • Dimensions (12 Can): 11” × 11” × 9½”
  • Floating Capability: Built to float in water
  • Customization: Available with MyRTIC personalization

✅ Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts who need a leakproof, lightweight, and highly insulated cooler for beach trips, rafting, and road travel.


RTIC Soft Sided Cooler Review – Pros & Cons

Pros of RTIC Soft Sided Cooler

Impressive Ice Retention: Holds ice for up to 2 days, perfect for weekend getaways.
Leakproof Construction: Welded seams and a waterproof zipper keep contents secure.
Floating Design: Keeps the cooler afloat, great for water activities.
Durable Exterior: Heavy-duty material resists punctures and wear for long-term use.
Lightweight & Portable: Easy to carry, even when full, thanks to its soft build and sturdy handles.

Cons of RTIC Soft Sided Cooler

Zipper Requires Effort: Can be tough to open, especially when new.
Ice Melts Faster Without Packs: Best ice retention requires ice packs or gel packs.

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler has received mostly positive reviews for its durability and impressive ice retention. Users love its portability and leakproof design, making it ideal for various outdoor activities.


In-Depth Review of the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler

Premium Ice Retention & Insulation

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler boasts a closed-cell foam insulation of up to 1.5 inches thick. This robust insulation allows the cooler to maintain its cold interior for up to 2 days, keeping your drinks icy and your snacks fresh. Whether you’re road-tripping or lounging by the pool, this cooler locks in the cold to extend your adventures.

Leakproof & Floating Design

A standout feature of the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler is its fully leakproof design. The welded seams and waterproof zippers create an air-tight seal, ensuring no water gets in or out. This leakproof design makes it perfect for both land and water activities, from tailgating to rafting. And yes, if your cooler ends up in water, it’ll float—so you won’t have to worry about losing it during your river float or boating excursion.

Lightweight & Durable Exterior

Built to be both tough and portable, the cooler features a heavy-duty coated exterior that is puncture-resistant and withstands daily wear and tear. Despite its durable build, the cooler remains lightweight. Even when fully packed, it’s easy to transport thanks to its soft-sided design and reinforced handles.

Size Versatility & Customization

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler comes in multiple sizes—12, 20, 30, and 40-can capacities—ensuring you have the right cooler for any outing. Whether you need a small cooler for a day at the beach or a larger one for a camping trip, the RTIC lineup has a size to match. Plus, you can personalize your cooler through MyRTIC, adding a custom touch to make it uniquely yours.

Drawbacks of the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler

While the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler offers premium ice retention and durability, the zipper can require some effort to open and close, particularly when the cooler is new. This design is intentional to ensure the leakproof capability, but it may be something to get used to.

Additionally, to achieve the best ice retention, RTIC recommends using ice packs or gel packs. Traditional ice works well, but it may melt faster if not packed properly.

Who Is the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler Perfect For?

✅ Those who love beach trips, camping, rafting, and outdoor events
✅ People who need a reliable, floating cooler for both land and water activities
✅ Users seeking a lightweight, portable cooler without compromising ice retention
✅ Adventurers who want a cooler that’s easy to carry yet highly durable

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

✅ Those looking for a cooler with a zipper that’s easier to operate may need a different design.


Customer Experiences with RTIC Soft Sided Cooler

We’ve thoroughly researched real customer feedback to share their thoughts on the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler.

Impressive Cold Retention: Users praised the cooler’s ability to keep ice and drinks cold for long periods, even in hot weather. They found the ice lasted up to 2 days, as advertised, making it great for camping trips and road adventures.

Lightweight & Portable: The cooler’s soft-sided design, light weight, and sturdy handles made it easy for users to transport, even when fully packed. Beach-goers loved how effortlessly they could carry it along the shore.

Durable Build: Users commented on the cooler’s tough exterior, which resisted punctures and general wear. The durable build gave them peace of mind during trips to rough terrains.

🚫 Zipper Challenges: A few users noted that the zipper could be difficult to operate, particularly when new. Some mentioned using zipper lubricant to ease the opening and closing process.

Floating Capability: Adventurers appreciated the floating design, which kept the cooler above water during rafting and tubing trips. The leakproof construction ensured no water seeped into the cooler.


Value Analysis of RTIC Soft Sided Cooler

Durability & Functionality

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler is built to endure rough use, thanks to its heavy-duty exterior. The puncture-resistant material means it’ll last through countless adventures. The waterproof seams and zipper add to its functionality, making it suitable for wet conditions like tubing, rafting, and boating.

Key Strengths

  • Impressive Ice Retention: Keeps contents cold for up to 2 days, ideal for trips.
  • Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry, even when fully packed.
  • Floating Design: Floats on water, making it perfect for water activities.
  • Customization Options: Ability to personalize your cooler for a unique touch.

Considerations

  • Zipper Difficulty: The waterproof zipper can be tough to operate when new, requiring a little effort to zip and unzip.
  • Ice Pack Dependency: To achieve optimal ice retention, users may need to rely on gel packs or ice packs, as loose ice might not last as long.

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler is an excellent investment for those seeking a durable, reliable, and highly insulated cooler for outdoor activities. Its leakproof construction, premium ice retention, and floating capability make it a standout choice for any adventurer.


Final Remarks: Is the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler Worth It?

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler is a durable and portable option for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable, leakproof cooler. Its impressive ice retention, lightweight build, and floating design make it ideal for adventures, though the tough zipper may require a little patience for some users.


FAQs – RTIC Soft Sided Cooler Review

How long does the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler keep ice?

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler can keep ice for up to 2 days when following RTIC’s cooling tips. The closed-cell foam insulation and waterproof zipper ensure that the cold stays locked in, maintaining optimal temperature retention throughout your adventure.

Is the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler leakproof?

Yes, the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler is fully leakproof. The cooler is designed with welded seams and a waterproof zipper to prevent any leaks or spills, making it suitable for both dry land and water activities without worry.

Can the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler float?

Absolutely, the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler is built to float. Thanks to its airtight construction and welded seams, the cooler stays above water, making it ideal for tubing, rafting, or boating trips where you need to keep your items dry.

How do I clean the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler?

To clean the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler, simply wipe down the interior and exterior with mild soap and water. Make sure to dry thoroughly before storing. The heavy-duty, puncture-resistant material is easy to maintain and keeps the cooler looking new.

What sizes are available for the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler?

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler comes in various sizes: 12 Can, 20 Can, 30 Can, and 40 Can. Each size offers different dimensions to fit your specific needs, from short day trips to longer adventures that require more storage capacity.

How heavy is the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler when empty?

The weight of the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler varies by size. The 12 Can size weighs approximately 2.4 lbs when empty. Larger sizes will weigh slightly more, but all options are designed to be lightweight for easy transport.

Can I use loose ice in the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler?

Yes, you can use loose ice in the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler. However, for optimal ice retention and reduced melting, RTIC recommends using ice packs or gel packs. This helps maintain the cold temperature longer and reduces the risk of excess water buildup.

Does the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler come with a warranty?

RTIC offers a warranty for their Soft Sided Cooler, covering defects in materials and workmanship. It’s always best to check the specifics of the warranty with RTIC directly to understand the coverage and terms for your cooler.

How easy is it to carry the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler?

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler is designed for easy carrying. It features reinforced handles and a soft-sided design that makes it comfortable to transport, even when full. The lightweight build adds to its portability, making it suitable for various outdoor activities.

Can I personalize my RTIC Soft Sided Cooler?

Yes, you can personalize your RTIC Soft Sided Cooler through the MyRTIC program. This option allows you to add your name or other designs to the cooler, giving it a unique and personal touch that makes it stand out.


RTIC Soft Sided Cooler Review – Conclusion

The RTIC Soft Sided Cooler is designed for those who crave durability, ice retention, and portability in one sleek package. With its fully leakproof design, thick insulation, and floating capability, it’s ready to tackle any adventure you throw at it. The range of sizes and colors, along with the option for customization, add to its appeal for anyone who wants to keep their drinks cold and their snacks fresh.

Whether you’re a camper, boater, beachgoer, or just someone who needs a reliable cooler, the RTIC Soft Sided Cooler is a practical and stylish option to keep your contents chilled and easily accessible on the go.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *